SOUND TIGERS SIGN MIKE BANWELL TO PTO

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers have announced that defenseman Mike Banwell has agreed to a professional tryout contract (PTO).

Banwell, 26, played in 13 games with the Reading Royals (ECHL) this season and collected two assists. He played for the Trenton Titans (ECHL) last season, in addition to seeing 19 games apiece for the Worcester Sharks and Springfield Falcons. Banwell also played 28 games over two seasons with the Albany Devils. In 66 career AHL games, the Scarborough, Ont., native has eight points (one goal, eight assists) and 70 penalty minutes.

Prior to his professional career, Banwell was a four-year player at the University of Maine, where he scored 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 109 games. He also played four seasons with the Pickering Panthers of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League.

The Sound Tigers take on the Manchester Monarchs at Webster Bank Arena later today, at 3 p.m.